Want-away Coyle nears Trotters move

BURNLEY are resigned to losing Owen Coyle to Bolton after their manager confirmed his desire to leave Turf Moor yesterday.

Coyle quickly emerged as Bolton’s top target after the sacking of Gary Megson last week and was given permission to speak to Wanderers on Monday.

Burnley subsequently met with the 43-year-old on Monday night in an attempt to persuade him to stay, but it seems they have been unsuccessful.

The Clarets have admitted they have now opened talks with Bolton over a possible compensation deal.

The east Lancashire outfit are thought to want around £3 million (€3.3m) for the man who guided them to the Barclays Premier League.

A Burnley statement read: “Owen Coyle has today reaffirmed his desire to leave Burnley FC and join Bolton Wanderers.

“Burnley will now enter discussions with Bolton Wanderers, due to the fact that compensation between the two parties has yet to be agreed.

“There will be no further comment at this time.”

Coyle took over at Burnley in November 2007 after cutting his managerial teeth in Scotland with Falkirk and St Johnstone.

The former Republic of Ireland international was recommended to the Clarets, interestingly, by Bolton.

Coyle was a popular player at Burnden Park in the mid-1990s but was overlooked by the Trotters when Megson was appointed to succeed Sammy Lee in October 2007.

But he quickly established a good reputation in England as his Burnley side impressed in cup competitions and then won promotion to the top flight – after a 33-year absence – via the play-offs.

Bolton are expected to confirm his appointment at the Reebok Stadium once compensation can be agreed.

Attention will then turn to the identity of Coyle’s successor at Turf Moor.

Former Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson, was one of the favourites to take over but he is understood to be set to take over at Burnley’s managerless Championship neighbours Preston.

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan, a former Burnley player, has also been linked along with the post, along with the out-of-work Alan Curbishley, Gareth Southgate and Steve Coppell.

Meanwhile Bohemians have given Dundee United permission to speak to Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon about the vacant role at Tannadice.

Bohs secretary Gerry Conway said: “We’ve given them permission to approach him, subject to compensation being agreed.

“I don’t know whether they want to interview him but there has been no agreement between the clubs with regards compensation. I don’t see it going any further until that happens.’’